The Buckingham 4-H Club is planning for a day of Christmas festivities on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Buckingham Extension Office. There will be holiday-themed activities and the making of great items that can be given as gifts or kept and enjoyed. This program is for young people ages 5-13, with young people ages 14 and older encouraged to participate as teen leaders. The cost of the program is $15. No charge for teen leaders. Call the Buckingham Extension Office (434) 969-4261 to register. Participants will need to bring a bag lunch.

New funds are available for fencing livestock out of streams. Offered in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation this Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project will focus on fencing livestock from rivers and streams, developing alternative watering systems for livestock, and establishing and maintaining grass or forested areas along waterways.

This multi-agency project will draw on the combined expertise of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, soil and water conservation districts, and the Virginia Department of Forestry to conduct outreach and offer technical assistance to participating farmers.

Keeping livestock out of streams is critical for clean water. Wading animals can erode stream banks and excrete waste, increasing bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution downstream. Clean, dry cattle are also healthier and less likely to suffer serious foot and leg injuries from slippery banks and rocky stream bottoms.

Interested farmers should contact their local district conservationist and complete an application by Dec. 16 to be considered for funding. Visit www.va.nrcs.usda.gov to get additional information on RCPP projects in Virginia.

The holidays are upon us and as our lives become more hectic, it is perhaps a good time to review a few safety tips. Even when we know better, we may be tempted to take short cuts that are simply bad ideas. Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains, drapes or with any potentially flammable item. Wear rubber gloves while decorating with spun glass or “angel hair.” It can irritate eyes and skin. A safer alternative is nonflammable cotton.

When spraying artificial snow on windows or other surfaces, be sure to follow directions carefully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if you inhale them. Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many plants may be poisonous or can cause severe stomach problems. Plants to watch out for include mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis. Keep all of these plants out of the reach of children.

Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or those with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them. If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights only outdoors. Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

Some of the worst hazards these days are on the highways. Talking on a cellphone while driving is distracted driving. To drive safely, our brains must concentrate on driving. Holidays can only be happy when all are safe and healthy.

Janet Miller is a painter, poet and retired educator. Her email address is: janet.miller@farmvilleherald.com